Played (2013)
A gritty Canadian crime drama following elite undercover cops who infiltrate criminal worlds — and risk losing themselves in the process.
Played - Series Information
- Original Title: Played
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Greg Nelson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CTV
- Production Companies: Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund, Back Alley Film Productions, Muse Entertainment
- Production Countries: Canada
Played - Plot
The Covert Investigations Unit (CIU) risks going undercover to infiltrate and bring down criminal organizations. In this new style of short-term, high-intensity undercover work, each covert "play" is crafted quickly and executed at an even faster pace. Placed into various worlds of crime without a safety net, the cops are in constant danger, as they repeatedly go off the grid. Wearing wires, coaxing confessions, and setting up stings, the cops of the CIU must think quickly, talk smoothly, and rely on pure instinct. They slip in and out of characters so often that, sometimes, they lose track of who they really are.
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Played - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Greg Nelson
Main Cast
- Lisa Marcos
- Vincent Walsh
- Chandra West
- Dwain Murphy
- Agam Darshi
- Adam Butcher
- Carly Pope
- Zoé De Grand Maison
- Rachael Ancheril
- Johnny Larocque
Writers
- Greg Nelson
- Spencer Levine
- Matt MacLennan
- Hannah Moscovitch
- Larry Bambrick
Played - FAQs
What is Played about?
Played follows the Covert Investigations Unit (CIU), a team of undercover cops who infiltrate criminal organizations using short-term, high-intensity operations. Working without a safety net, they wear wires, coax confessions, and run stings — all while struggling to maintain their own identities under constant pressure.
Did the undercover cops in Played lose their sense of identity?
That psychological tension is central to the show. The CIU officers slip in and out of characters so frequently and so deeply that the line between their real selves and their cover identities begins to blur — a compelling dramatic thread that runs throughout the series.
Where can you stream Played?
Played is available to watch for free on The Roku Channel (with ads) and on Fawesome. For a full list of viewing options in your region, JustWatch is a great resource to check current availability.
Who are the main actors in Played?
The ensemble cast is led by Lisa Marcos as Detective Constable Maria Cortez and Vincent Walsh as Detective John Moreland, with strong support from Chandra West, Dwain Murphy, Agam Darshi, Adam Butcher, and Carly Pope, among others.
Why was Played cancelled after one season?
CTV cancelled Played after its single 13-episode run in 2013. While specific reasons were never publicly detailed, the show faced the competitive pressures typical of Canadian network drama, and low viewership figures are generally cited as the primary factor behind its cancellation.
Who created the TV series Played?
Played was created by Greg Nelson, who also served as one of the series' writers. The show was produced in Canada by Back Alley Film Productions and Muse Entertainment, with support from the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund, and aired on CTV in 2013.
Is Played based on real undercover police operations?
Played is a fictional drama, though its premise draws on the real-world tactics used by undercover law enforcement. The show's portrayal of covert stings, wire operations, and identity immersion reflects genuine techniques, lending the series a grounded, procedural authenticity despite being an original story.
What shows are similar to Played?
Fans of Played may enjoy other undercover and crime dramas such as Dark Blue, Covert Affairs, Wiseguy, and 21 Jump Street. For more Canadian content with a similar tone, Due South, La Femme Nikita, and Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent are worth exploring.
More About Played
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